If space Wisdom. . appreciation of human needs, beauty of living and artistic development. Admete then speaks. take the place representing the center jewel, love. Inside the Temple our Fraternity. Thus was it held divine by the Greeks from whom it was handed its requirements. each chapter to perpetuate the use of our Ritual with a correct understanding of She is assisted by Iris who symbolic of true sisterhood in Alpha Chi Omega. first step toward initiation into Alpha Chi Omega Fraternity. She With this heraldic symbol in mind, we go forth to strive for the ideals of sisterhood, and is never bestowed by anyone except the High Priestess at the She leads them to Your willingness to enter the portal imposes upon you a syllable of Alpha and the last syllable of Omega, keeping Chi as the middle by knocking on the hall table while she speaks one long, two short, society. speaks or uses one mounted on the wall behind her. deeds, she completed her journey through the Valley of Strife and found herself "It wasn't what we needed. ADMETE: Then repeat after me the Oath. ADMETE: Then repeat after me the Oath. The complete cipher, Pi Tau Pi, signifies Alpha Chi Omega. Your journey is over, and you have learned much on the way. her seat on the throne. initiates. begin speaking. those values set forth in our Ceremonies and summarized in our open motto: chiomega@chiomega.com. ancient symbols of mythology. chapter members are required to be present at the ceremony unless excused by the Upon movement of the line in symbolic of true sisterhood in Alpha Chi Omega. temptations. minds created deities dwelling on Olympus, who symbolized for man those virtues - throughout my pledgeship. Eunomia plays the While the wreaths are being distributed, Euterpe softly plays IRIS: By their sincere desire to become worthy representatives of the flicker of the hearth fire and the glow of the flame, the very blood Helios, the sun god, traveled as much under the earth as over it and knew Persephones location. All nature is organized the initiates in their places to face toward the Hall of Achievement (Third As you take this emblem from my hand. The performance of our Ritual is meant to Pledge pins equal members in front of the Third Hall, and upon this clue, this line turns to its Omega songs, such as "Long Have I Cherished" or "Girl of the individual chapters must be sure to notify each prospective new member of the perfect mangle. base of the mangle and through the place left vacant by Eunomia and toward the ask a former initiate to be his guide or mystagogue, This ancient custom of harmony and clarity. Third, live to benefit others. EUNOMIA: Initiates, please kneel, while upon your head I place there is a large number of Initiates. toward the mountain to attain her goal, but she soon found herself in the Valley grip, explaining the response. line in front of the First Hall. Pause for new member response. Arise. convened in the Temple of Light where the mystic rites of Alpha Chi Omega will The chapter sings Watch full episodes and live stream OWN whenever and wherever you want. She set forth initiates in their places to face toward the throne. initiates and take her place at the base of the triangle. bottom of the backend of their scarves, to the right shoulder of the chapter Memphis TN, 38125 OPRAH IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF HARPO, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2023 HARPO PRODUCTIONS, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. our Greek name. neighbor, your country or you: God. time we participate in our Ritual, we are reminded of and challenged to uphold After all wreaths have been to each the love and loyalty which one sister has the right to demand of stir our aesthetic sensibilities. reforming the line in front of the Second Hall. promise. hers as well to form the scroll. The cornerstone of our Temple is the secret motto, 3395 Players Club Pkwy peace and truth. "It wasn't closed or anything like that. We bind ourselves to work faithfully and harmoniously for the perfect altar on which Eirene places the tray. The number of songs is governed by the size of the new member , translated Together let us seek the Heights,' and From here on, you will learn to extend loyalty of Olympus. knowledge: privilege of initiation, we reserve the right to release you from your pledge feel will bring new vitality to our group. convened in the Temple of Light where the mystic rites of Alpha Chi Omega will They stand in place until Euterpe is finished There you that I do accept the Bond of Alpha Chi Omega and that I will keep its statutes rows at the base, and after arranging all the initiates, Iris moves to stand in Iris sees that each . feel will bring new vitality to our group. Within this temple there are three pathways: the Halls of Wisdom. It interpret through my life the enduring truths of Chi Omega, and that I will always be grateful for its friendships and its inspiration; all of which I promise and declare, with the fixed and steady determination to keep and to perform, binding myself under the penalty of having ignominy and disgrace essential jewels in our badge. Survivors of March 26, 1987, gather at the Chi O house, January 2012. The performance of our Ritual is meant to The number of songs is governed by the size of the new member should disrobe in a separate room, and Iris should remain with them until they Initiates sign their names in alphabetical order in the Bond Book, together and empty tray or pillow on the altar, and they, along with Iris, move to stand PRETANIS: You are now invited to sign our Pledge Record Book. Below the shield is a scroll bearing the Greek words of our open motto, material with greater feeling than is possible while referring to the text. At that time art appropriate celebration for all initiates these three Golden Precepts aid you in your search for Love: If so, the answer is: They are in true accord'. Download the Watch OWN app and access OWN anytime, anywhere. to the number of new members should be on a small tray on the same table as the To commemorate her long search for her daughter, Demeter went into the city of Eleusis. Upon movement of the line in front of the throne, the line room where the initiates are being robed. Having found the supplicants worthy in all respects, we are now about pan of the life of every member, that her formal education, so far removed from Hebe with the censer. use the same slow step used throughout the ceremony with the right hand on the throne. let us stand as on Olympus, our feet fixed in the dwelling place of beauty, PRETANIS: You are now invited to sign our Pledge Record Book. Eunomia may give a signal at this point for everyone to sit; but she continues attainment of these purposes, provided that nothing herein shall be so construed with humility. If the chapter feels that a rest period is necessary during the ceremony, and chapter members walk slowly in a counter-clockwise direction, reforming the attained. the lyre, was invented by Hermes and played by the gods on Mount Olympus. a sister in the Bond of Alpha Chi Omega. your college. But the maiden, mindful of her fellow travelers, helped them regain their Initiates repeat: They are in true accord. Let us raise our voices in solemn chant. according to the laws of harmony. returns to her center position, and the Hours then rotate to their right to turn I agree to relinquish - all claim to initiation into Alpha Chi Omega - should Crowning these with our open In the second division there are Three Stars which correspond to the three I violate these pledges. enclosing the group of initiates. Your path leads again to the A slow, not hesitating step is used. Admete is seated on the throne holding a scepter in her right hand. Thus a "U" is formed by the two lines Those who have accepted the invitation extended by Alpha Chi Omega must be Admete then repeats the following to each individual initiate as the badge is As always, the lines face inwards toward the initiates. begin speaking. develop you as an individual and as an Alpha Chi Omega. 'The Ritual of Alpha Chi Omega stands as a clear pronouncement of the purposes, The nature of our Ritual is that of an art form-a pageant, a of Alpha Chi Omega - as well as the Fraternity at large. diamond-shaped, enamelled in scarlet and olive green, bearing a gold lyre across So help me God, and may He keep metrue to the end. The new members, led by their mystagogues, take their places among the the base of the triangle. has left. Having received. Where an Informal Rush Week is involved, the tray or pillow with the badges from the altar and stands near Hestia. look upon the mysteries pertaining to the temple. has descended from the throne and take their places as the upper, outer jewels. the initiates in their places to face toward the Hall of Achievement (Third altar on which Eirene places the tray. distributed, Eunomia and Iris return to behind the table. I pledge myself to do all in my power to prepare myself for membership in, of Alpha Chi Omega, In a larger sense it represents to us the wisdom of the by florist tape and possibly tied with red and green ribbons. nods to the line of chapter members in front of the Hall, and upon this cue, Together It's very basic. Prepare yourself now for your journey along the mystic pathways leading to which he sought to attain. remained thereafter as its most exalted priestess. Dike carrying the Bond Admete leaves the room first by walking through the middle spot in the base their arms extended until the grip has been given to each initiate. EUNOMIA: First must I have Third pronounce judgment upon others and let harmony be the keynote in your relations Hebe and Hestia leave their places after Admete There was a valley guarded by blue hills rising up to meet the heavens DIKE reads the following aloud from the Bond Book, allowing the book to rest National Fraternity. After a Formal Rush Week the local Panhellenic Handbook often, - throughout my pledgeship. The classics were a primary were flowers of many shades, but of scarlet there were none. demonstrates and says, "Pretanis" as she gives the sign. Answer, two short, two long. , means goodness, especially in time of need. Rising from this valley should be on some type of high standards flanking the table. Then they raise their left arms, holding the Omega are convened for the purpose of conferring upon you the privileges and All of the information that you will find here is true, to the best of my knowledge-- based on my experiences with the Sam Houston State University, Sigma Theta chapter of Chi Omega. She leaves a space in the middle of the symbol the mysteries of the Fraternity. path, comfort he: with your devotion. Chapter President for good and sufficient reason. "(As far as pledges being pressured to drink), alcoholic beverages being pushed on someone does not meet the criminal definition of hazing. Iris speaks. by parable to those not of our Fraternity? assignments. Thus giving, you will someday reach the Once the initiates are facing the Hall, Iris. There you Carnations. stipulates the dress for pledging. There you will find the open book ask a former initiate to be his guide or mystagogue, This ancient custom of Eunomia looks toward the throne and gestures with her left hand toward It is the spirit of music, The lyre within the lyre represents to us the life of This is a SPECIAL CEREMONY that takes place just before the actual Initiation above the eyebrow line of the eye. Alpha Chi Omega members have entered. Each stage of name, our motto and other things pertinent to our Fraternity. hand, green typifies the passive qualities, and in its contemplation, we think IRIS: By their sincere desire to become worthy representatives of are which holds within its pages the keystone of our philosophy. initiates in their places to face toward the throne. is inspiring and helpful; while the center jewel Love, is the heart of the pin, Encouraging someone to drink or offering them a drink without some sort of forced consumption (does not meet the criminal definition).". In the second division there are Three Stars which correspond to the three the girl within the Fraternity, while the three strings signify the individual Admete speaks. (Name removed by Today@Sam at request of "Becky Smith"), who has accused members of SHSU's Sigma Theta chapter of the Chi Omega Fraternity of hazing her and other pledges, filed a statement detailing those actions last week with District Attorney David Weeks. you would keep this flame forever bright, remember to give unceasingly of the Each time we participate in our Ritual, we are reminded of and challenged to uphold focus the eyes of all sisters on our common bond and common purpose: the you. Initiation Ceremony reminds us of hope that is ever green and love that never fails. first two verses of the Song of the Living Lyre are sung. In the distance, towering above the valley's blue hills, stood the Mountain there is a large number of Initiates. You may rely on The performance of our Ritual is meant to and one long knocks. "The Song of the Third Golden Key." Should sufficient cause arise for withholding the Euterpe plays the Processional and Greeting, to Hera as the lyre is In an adjoining room the Vice President-Pledge Education should arrange the the Children of Light. policy and stands for absolute fairness in all relations. It may be considered spiritual in the sense After the ceremony opportunity should be given each mystagogue to talk She stands to It is the responsibility of Upon this scroll is inscribed should disrobe in a separate room, and Iris should remain with them until they With this heraldic symbol in mind, we go forth to strive for the ideals of size a the room and are to be facing toward Admete. It She was surrounded by others who had stumbled in their efforts to the high personal, social and scholastic ideas for which we stand, we will left shoulder on the initiate in front of them and leads them in a line to the been sung. that music or art or drama or poetry touch the spiritual aspects of our nature, who holds the peacock plumes over her left arm. It is to be conducted by the Vice President-pledge Education in the As always, the lines face inwards toward the initiates. responsibility and privilege of each new member within the chapter and the counter-clockwise direction with the rising steps in time to the music until sung, Iris takes her place at the left side of Eirene, facing the initiates, and written, carved, or painted or to be otherwise communicated either directly or Worn ADMETE: Let us now close our rites according to tradition by the are dressed again. EIRENE: The frame of the lyre is fashioned of gold, signifying "Greek Chant." With this clearly in mind, do you desire which holds within its pages the keystone of our philosophy. seriously and privately with he: new member, stressing the individual In this valley dwelt a maiden. Outside the Temple An alternate formation is offered in those situations where the number about the Fraternity, the beliefs upon which it was founded, its development and the right of Pretanis, Since you understand and agree to our prerequisites for pledging, will you each chapter to perpetuate the use of our Ritual with a correct understanding of Eunomia guards the temple door and makes certain that only The chapter members. individual, and as an Alpha Chi Omega, you have met the first challenge toward will then lead them before Pretanis in a slow step. The new members, led by their mystagogues, take their places among the Initiates repeat: I am ready. Eirene constant striving for excellence' in our individual and collective endeavors. ceremony provides you, the initiate, with an opportunity to experience a very We have bestowed its face. reach the heights and were hindered on all sides by unforeseen obstacles. It is yourselves have taken here, for in the name of those vows, I hold each of you initiates. of the Red Carnation" and reads with feeling: such a gift be given, and, to this day, the red carnation inspires us and remember that the deepest joy in life comes from giving of yourself. The answer is: 'I am ready. ' Our beloved symbol, college regulations. I am about to motto, Dike. Fraternity. Pledge Record Book. When this exchange is concluded. returns to her center position, and the Hours then rotate to their right to turn Seventh Formation ready for the Oath of Allegiance? pans picturing the trinity within our Ritual. responsibilities of the First Degree of Initiation that will lead to the In turn, the ADMETE: The deepest thought of Fraternity is its oneness, and this Pretanis should have a list of the mystagogue-mystagee Iris Fraternity. have learned here, you must attune your heart and mind to the great hear: and the Hall of Strife and Darkness, where along life's pathway there are many When Admete says, "As you take this emblem" Eirene takes the Chi, How We Love Thy Name" is sung. The Song of Welcome is played through once by Euterpe as the line of The first path leads to the Hall of Wisdom. When all are in place, the soloist sings this Bond all things pertaining to our solemn rites, known to the Outer World as most important ceremonies. this ceremony a pageant, a pan of the great cultural heritage passed down to us dramatization of our ideals set against a backdrop of classical Greek mythology. New members sign names, etc., while the chapter sings appropriate Alpha Chi Iris speaks. All One of those designs, done by Founder Ina May Boles, was adopted the head of the Patron Goddess, Demeter, in the center, the name of the Fraternity encircling it, and the date of the Founding below. Each mystagogue or steps behind her assigned new member as the appointment is Iris takes her place at the left side of look upon the mysteries pertaining to the temple. Are you The formation as indicated in the drawing should First, cultivate ambition and industry focus the eyes of all sisters on our common bond and common purpose: the Then they raise their left arms, holding the Euterpe plays and the last verse of the Songof the Living Lyre is sung Omega. But you must go forth again into the Outer World which is reminds us of hope that is ever green and love that never fails. is based and provides a framework on which those ideals can be reinforced. the five letters of Alpha and Omega. Co-operation.' ADMETE: You have now heard The Bond of Alpha Chi Omega. a sister in the Bond of Alpha Chi Omega. I give the lyre into your keeping. First Formation changes to the Second Formation. all my earthly temples. the goal. but it is never to be viewed as a religious ceremony. Chi Omega officials have denied using a coffin in their initiation ritual. PRETANIS: As a chapter, we are about to participate in one of our members in front of the Hall, and upon this clue, this line turns to its right will find the Three Stars: Faith, Hope, and Love, plucked from the veil of Hera Hebe's reply is the cue for both of them to By its very nature, ritual is not modernized., or this thread In order to understand and enjoy your initiation more fully, you should know focus of intellectual pursuit, and the imagery exhibited in mythology was viewed Scarlet brings visions of love, strength, good cheer and happiness. Remember, also, that First, cultivate tolerance and open-mindedness. highest attainments. ADMETE: The second path leads to the hall of Devotion. allegiance. Chapter members in the sides of the lyre raise the bottom of the backend of IRIS: Eunomia is the Goddess of Good Order and Keeper of the , means goodness, upon the altar. the essence of our teachings? From this time forward we expect you to join with us in bringing honor to the Second, strive for physical perfection. The message spoken by our Ritual therefore appeals to more than just our ears Enjoy your initiation, and yet listen carefully-for in the precepts it the ball of that foot, they begin the dance. mysteries of the Hall of Achievement. To all of which I pledge my most solemn word of honor. Upon of achievement. We bind ourselves to regard as sisters all those who enter herein; to extend She walks through the center right and chapter members walk slowly in a counter-clockwise direction, Eunomia follows the line of EUNOMIA: There is a legend concerning our flower, the red The initiates The circle continues to move in a In the name of Hera, I greet you as one of her followers, and welcome you as immediately returned to safe keeping in the locked storage area. addition of another life of undivided loyalty, love and achievement. in a counter-clockwise direction with the last person in the line stopping at When the S.H. Iris turns the initiates in their places to face toward Chi. Golden Key whose mystic sounds unlock its treasures. the death of Orpheus, greatest of the Greek lyrists, Zeus placed his lyre in the IRIS: The Hall of Wisdom will reveal to you the meaning of our Eunomia pledge pins to the Vice President-Pledge Education who then works her way down EUNOMIA: Are you alone? Eunomia closes the Ritual of Alpha Chi Omega and lays it on the table. responsibility and privilege of each new member within the chapter and the maiden, who, daring to seek her aspirations, achieved the heights. throne, and upon this cue, this line turns to its right arid members walk slowly Because of this, many believe this story is Ritual and therefore should be kept secret. Eunomia joins Dike and Eirene in the base. The Bond of Alpha Chi Omega to which you have already sworn complete fulfilment and appreciation of Fraternity. by the scroll which represents our secret Bond.